Kota Kinabalu: The rising number of crocodile attacks in Sabah’s rivers, particularly in Kinabatangan, has left local communities grappling with fear while trying to maintain a balance between preserving the reptiles and ensuring their safety.
The recent recovery of Masdi Sahar’s body in Kampung Bilit, following a suspected crocodile attack, is the latest in a string of incidents that has claimed multiple lives in 2024.
Kinabatangan’s Kampung Batu Putih villager and tour guide Ramzan Bani said crocodile encounters are becoming increasingly dangerous, with both freshwater and saltwater species present in the area.
“Kinabatangan has both freshwater and saltwater crocodiles. Saltwater is more dangerous because the river is so close to the sea. Many fatal attacks have occurred, but we still protect the crocodiles. It’s illegal to harm them (without licence), so villagers must be extra cautious, especially those involved in fishing or tourism,” he told Daily Express.
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